presumptive

adjective
pre·​sump·​tive | \ pri-ˈzəm(p)-tiv How to pronounce presumptive (audio) \

Definition of presumptive

1 : based on probability or presumption the presumptive nominee
2 : giving grounds for reasonable opinion or belief
3 : being an embryonic precursor with the potential for forming a particular structure or tissue in the normal course of development presumptive retina

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Other Words from presumptive

presumptively adverb

Examples of presumptive in a Sentence

in that climate of fear, an accusation alone was presumptive evidence of guilt

Recent Examples on the Web

Oh, but his selfish older brother, the duke of Cambridge and presumptive future king, has three already. Nr Editors, National Review, "The Week," 22 Aug. 2019 Washington: Nine starters must be replaced on defense, and the presumptive starting quarterback (Jacob Eason) hasn’t actually been a starting quarterback since the first game of the 2017 season. Jon Wilner, The Denver Post, "The Pac-12 Hotline’s AP preseason football ballot: Who’s No. 3?," 12 Aug. 2019 At that time, Trump was the presumptive Republican nominee for President. Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Analyzing Why James Harden Won Paparazzi Assault Trial," 10 July 2019 LeSean McCoy is the Bills’ presumptive starter, but his play has fallen recently, and his contract is the largest of any of the team’s RBs. Shawn Childs, SI.com, "Fantasy Football: 12 Sleepers Who Could Help You Win in 2019," 7 Aug. 2019 Especially since that $43 million doesn’t reflect the $13 million devoted to draft-day acquisition T.J. Warren, the presumptive starter at small forward next season. Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: Pacers have a winner in Goga Bitadze, but potential loser of a 2019-20 season," 21 June 2019 The presumptive sentence on the manslaughter count was four years. Steve Karnowski, Twin Cities, "Mohamed Noor sentenced to 12½ years in prison; apologizes in court," 7 June 2019 The presumptive sentence on the manslaughter count is four years. Steve Karnowski, Fox News, "Attorneys seek light sentence for cop who shot 911 caller," 7 June 2019 The presumptive sentence on the manslaughter count was four years. Steve Karnowski, chicagotribune.com, "Minneapolis cop who shot 911 caller sentenced to 12½ years in prison," 7 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'presumptive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of presumptive

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for presumptive

presumptive

adjective
pre·​sump·​tive | \ pri-ˈzəm(p)-tiv How to pronounce presumptive (audio) \

Medical Definition of presumptive

1 : expected to develop in a particular direction under normal conditions presumptive regions of the blastula
2 : being the embryonic precursor of presumptive neural tissue

presumptive

adjective
pre·​sump·​tive | \ pri-ˈzəmp-tiv How to pronounce presumptive (audio) \

Legal Definition of presumptive

1 : based on presumption : presumed to have occurred a presumptive violation of law
2 : giving grounds for reasonable opinion or belief

Other Words from presumptive

presumptively adverb

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